Play Outdoors

Take a hike!

Get. Out. No, really!

There’s no end to outdoor adventure options in Asheville, with over 200 waterfalls and four navigable rivers, hiking trails for every skill level, and terrain for mountain bikes and road bikes. Add eight national and state parks within a short drive, and it’s no wonder Asheville is consistently rated a top U.S. adventure town.

Zipline between mountaintops within sight of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell or ride the rapids on the Nantahala River, a waterway that has produced dozens of Olympians and hosted four world championships. Stalk trout on the nation’s first fly fishing trail or raft, kayak or canoe down the French Broad River through the woodlands of Biltmore Estate. Spot some of the area’s nearly 300 species of birds, from hooded warblers and indigo buntings to great horned owls, or pick out constellations in a clear night sky through night-vision goggles. Check out world-class gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens.

Hiking

Hundreds of trails throughout the region offer a diverse range of hikes and backpacking opportunities. Just an hour from Asheville, the Pisgah National Forest is known as the Land of the Waterfalls, so any trail you choose, regardless of difficulty, will provide ample opportunities to check out some gorgeous falls.

Walk behind a waterfall on the family-friendly Moore Cove Falls Trail, an easy .7-mile trail (each way) with wooden bridges, steps and boardwalks that ends in a 50-foot plunge waterfall over a dramatic rock ledge.

The popular Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is a moderate hike with waterfalls, rhododendron, fall color, summer blueberry picking and high-elevation meadows and forests.

Experienced hikers may want to tackle Grandfather Mountain Trail, also known as the “chutes and ladders” trail because it involves a number of cable-assisted and ladder-access areas.

If what you want to see is more important than how hard it is to get there, you can chase waterfalls, target unforgettable views, make it quick or choose a hike that even the kids will love.

Biking

Conquer the Blue Ridge Parkway, weave your way along a tree-lined trail or pedal through town on your way to a local farm.

Mountain bike trails at the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, 6,000 acres of wilderness 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, range from mild to wild. The easy, 1-mile Hard Times connector trail is a great intro to the area. Green’s Lick will test your legs and your nerves as you descend 800 feet in 2.5 miles. Advanced riders head to Farlow Gap trail, Squirrel Gap trail, and Pilot Mountain trail in the Pisgah National Forest.

Road cyclists can see Asheville with customized tours, or a route that lets riders traverse the 8,000-acre backyard of the Biltmore Estate. Although it’s known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is also a favorite of cyclists.

Parks

With eight national and state parks located within a short drive, Asheville is a convenient base camp for exploring. Highlights include six access points to the Blue Ridge Parkway; six of the highest peaks in the eastern United States, including Mount Mitchell (6,684 feet); and five entry points to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park within 70 miles of downtown.

Water

Asheville’s rivers, lakes and waterfalls are more than just a pretty face. Water fun ranges from high-adventure thrills to leisurely boat rides to a day at the beach (yes, the beach!).

If you’re after a relaxing afternoon, why not fish in the ponds, lakes and river that George Vanderbilt and his guests explored on Biltmore Estate, or take a leisurely float down the French Broad River. If it’s adrenaline you’re after, white-knuckle your way through whitewater rapids with one of our experienced guides. After all, Asheville has a reputation for being one of the best places in the country for rafting.

What’s better than a sandy beach? A sandy beach with a mountain view. Families love Lake Lure’s water park and dramatic views of Hickory Nut Gorge, as well as the beach at Lake James State Park in the shadow of Linville Gorge.